We can all feel a little sluggish on winter mornings, and even the most reliable cars can let you down and fail to start. So, how to save yourself from such trouble and what is its cause.

If your car won’t start on a cold morning, it’s most likely a battery problem. Before starting the engine, always check that everything is turned off. And as soon as you start it, do not turn on the lights, heating and radio immediately, as this will create an additional load on the battery.

1. Check the battery

If the engine does not start, check that the battery wires and contacts are tight and not dirty.

If you have a manual car, the cause may be that the clutch pedal is not fully pressed. In this case, press the pedal all the way down and start again.

Starting up can take ten minutes off your battery’s life and most people don’t realize that it takes about 30 minutes of driving to fully charge the battery. So if your typical morning commute only takes ten minutes to your destination, it’s obvious that the battery will drain over time. In this case, it may be worth investing in a charger to keep your battery from draining. You can buy it for about 2000 rubles.

2. Check the fuel level

Starting a cold car uses more fuel than usual. And an empty gas tank is a common cause of breakdown. So, if you are already low on fuel on the way home, be sure to fill up.

3. Check oil level

If the oil level is low, the engine may sound like it is trying to turn over. This is because it takes more time to charge the battery than to start the car. If there is not enough antifreeze in the system, you can freeze the cooling system. If the car still starts under these circumstances, the radiator may be cracked, so check your car’s manual for the level of antifreeze required. It’s worth getting a car inspection and diagnostics done before winter.

4. Check the starter

If all you hear is a “clicking” sound when you turn the ignition on, there may be a problem with the starter, or it may have failed. A starter is essentially an electric motor that is powered by a car’s battery and directly starts the car’s engine. If the starter is faulty, your only choice is to the nearest car service center.

REMEMBER: You can always contact our car service center, where your car will be happy to receive professional technical assistance. You can also make an appointment with us for a scheduled technical inspection! Please familiarize yourself with our car repair and diagnostic services.